The striker, who has arrived initially until Christmas with a view to a season-long deal, joins fellow Arsenal players Fabrice Muamba and Sebastian Larsson who are already committed to St Andrew's for the season.

All three are expected to figure against Colchester tomorrow. The Danish Under-21s front man is not the player with proven value in English football for which many Blues fans are hoping, although at least one signing of that ilk might follow before A ugust 31. But the Copenhagen-born player looks a potent goal threat.

At 6ft 3in, with good feet, he is highly rated by Arsenal who are understood to have recently turned down a #5million offer for him. Arsene Wenger sees some time with Blues as an important step in the Bendter's development.

"He's been tracked by 12 or 15 clubs so I'm delighted to have got him," said manager Steve Bruce. "I think Arsenal regarded him as their fourth or fifth striker this season but they've obviously decided to send him out for some valuable experience.

"He will be involved against Colchester tomorrow, as will the other two Arsenal lads. Hopefully, we haven't finished in the transfer market yet. We are still pursuing two other targets - the biggest ones."

Meanwhile, the paperwork has finally been completed on Larsson's loan move, although he has been training with Blues so has had some time to gel.